"Hampton, Md.
"Nov. --'10.

"My dear Mr. Thompson:--

"I have made a purchase, down here, and my check for Two Hundred
Thousand dollars, in consideration, will come through, at once.
Please see that it is paid, promptly.

"Yours very sincerely,

"Elaine Cavendish.

"To James Thompson, Esq'r., "Treasurer, The Tuscarora Trust Co.,
"Northumberland."

She addressed the envelope and passed it and the card across to Mr.
Jones, together with the check.

"If you will mail this, to-night, it will provide against any chance of
non-payment," she said.

"You are a marvel of accuracy," he answered, with a bow. "I would I
could always do business with you."

"At two hundred thousand the time? No! no! monsieur, I pray thee, no
more!"

There was a knock on the door; the maid entered and spoke in a low tone
to Jones. He nodded.

"I am sorry to inconvenience you again," he said, turning to them, "but
I must trouble you to go aboard the tug."

"The tug--on the water?" Elaine exclaimed.

"On the water--that is usually the place for well behaved tugs!" he
laughed.

"Now!" Elaine persisted.

"Now--before I go to deposit the check!" he smiled. "You will be safer
on the tug. There will be no danger of an escape or a rescue--and it
won't be for long, I trust."

"Your trust is no greater than ours, I assure you," said Elaine.

Their few things were quickly gathered, and they went down to the
wharf, where a small boat was drawn up ready to take them to the tug,
which was lying a short distance out in the Bay.

"One of the Baltimore tugs, likely," said Davila. "There are scores of
them, there, and some are none too chary about the sort of business
they are employed in."

"Witness the present!" commented Elaine.

They got aboard without accident. Jones conducted them to the little
cabin, which they were to occupy together--an upper and a lower bunk
having been provided.

"The maid will sleep in the galley," said he. "She will look after the
cooking, and you will dine in the small cabin next to this one. It's a
bit contracted quarters for you, and I'm sorry, but it won't be for
long--as we both trust, Miss Cavendish."

"And you?" asked Elaine.

"I go to deposit the check. I will have my bank send it direct for
collection, with instructi